Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.India began the massive task yesterday of issuing unique identification numbers to its 1.2 billion people, many of whom lack documents establishing their identity.
Ten people from India's remote tribal areas received the first identification numbers from the Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, and governing Congress Party chief, Sonia Gandhi, in western Maharashtra state.
Without any proof of identity, impoverished people are often unable to open bank accounts or receive benefits, Mr Singh said.
The poor in India do not have passports, driver's licenses or credit cards to prove their identity and are forced to rely on electricity bills, ration cards, voting cards or letters from officials.
The government has not said how long it might take to complete the task. The agency responsible has an initial budget of 1.2bn rupees (£15.5m), but the total cost is expected to be far higher.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments